Window of opportunity closes this season?

[lilfishi22]

Assuming we don't win this season, does anybody else think that we'll still be in contention next season. Or even a playoff team?

We'll still have a core of STAT, Nash, Shaq, Diaw, Barbs and the rooks, but I don't see Hill staying after his contract is over, and I'm not too sure we'll offer Barnes another contract either.

A lot of people are writing us off already this year and I think we have a good chance but I personally think if we don't win this year our window of opportunity will be shut, for a Nash-led Suns anyway.

Thoughts?

[rsavaj]

I thought our window was shut last year, and right now we have just a sliver of opportunity, but next year we are dunzo(which is bad b/c we don't have our own first rounder, effing KT trade).

[pidi]

mh, this team always managed to bring a good team together. noone thought that we could sign nash, ghill, barnes etc...
i think alot of players are willing to play in phoenix.

i would say that we´re a winning franchise and will stay a winning franchise-

[lilfishi22]

^ I think players were willing to play for Phoenix because of D'Antoni. His training was light, he wasn't strict and no shot is a bad shot. That's like a basketball player's heaven. But now that he's gone and we're back to traditional coach I just don't see many players wanting to come to Phoenix.

[Go7enKs]

Our window probably shut when effing Horry crashed Nash to the floor. Last year we got a real opportunity but the team didn't really believe it.

This year? Very long shot. You never know...but I just don't see how we can come out of the west.

[TASTIC]

I like us a lot better in the playoffs than regular season

We're built for a short series, not a marathon.

[tsherkin]

This year is it; after this, the present Suns' window is shut for a while and it's going to be TOUGH to rebuild.

Next year, I suspect, is the year when the Suns should be shopping Nash. It's not a nice thing to do, given his success here and what he's brought to the franchise, but they need to make a quick move to find some young talent to put alongside Amare in order to make this thing work.

If the Suns are to rebuild on the fly, they know they need a primary playmaker, a perimeter scorer and some serious defensive upgrades. I'd be chasing Dalembert, someone like Al Thornton and one of Memphis' point guards, maybe. It'll be a tough call to get all of that, though, especially for old guys and especially with Sarver trying so hard to save money.

The Suns would be in a lot better shape with Sergio and Rudy...

[lilfishi22]

^ Please let's not speak of Rudy and Sergio again, it's killing me. All these questions of what could've been. Sigh*

Some say we should keep the core as they will expire at 2010, but considering that we'll probably be a lottery team after this season, I don't expect to be able to attract many of the UFA or FA's in 2010, ie Lebron, Wade. I know out of our expiring contracts next season, Nash probably have the most trade value, so it's logical we shop him first to get some young talent, but I would like to keep Nash here and let him expire and resign him to an MLE for 2 years so at least we have a damn good backup if that is the case.

I just don't see us attracting many big name UFA's in 2010, so we should start rebuilding next year by getting rid of guys like Barbs and Bell and maybe Diaw if we haven't done so already this season. Keep Nash here unless we get a nice fair deal.

After this season, this team will be Amare's, hopefully he shows a bit of leadership.

[donMartini123]

Well, no matter what will happen in the future, I really like the start of this season and how things are working so far. Right now I am watching the PHX game against New Orleans and despite the turnovers I see a bench that is playing. I dunno, but I have a good feeling about this team. Maybe not championship material but it's gonna be a fun season I think.